Optical Coherence Tomography

Optical coherence tomography, also known as OCT, is an imaging system that uses light waves to produce a high-resolution view of the cross-section of the retina and other structures in the interior of the eye.

Conditions Detected With an OCT

The images can help with the detection and treatment of serious eye conditions such as:

Macular hole

Macular swelling

Optic nerve damage

Age-related macular degeneration

Macular pucker

Glaucoma

Cataracts

Diabetic eye disease

Vitreous hemorrhage

OCT uses technology that is similar to that of a CT scan of internal organs. With the scattering of light it can rapidly scan the eye to create an accurate cross-section. Each layer of the retina can be evaluated and measured and compared to normal, healthy images of the retina.

The OCT exam takes about 10 to 20 minutes to perform in your doctor's office, and usually requires dilation of the pupils for the best results.